No sugarcoating

Controlling diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease in the UK. Although the exact cause of the condition characterised by high blood sugar levels is still unknown, genetic factors, weight issues and physical inactivity have been shown to contribute to its onset and progression.

A bellicon® workout provides the kind of aerobic exercise that helps to prevent diabetes and reduce its symptoms. Whether you’re a diabetic who takes insulin or not, bouncing on a mini trampoline assists in regulating your levels of the hormone by lowering blood sugar and increasing your cells’ ability to absorb glucose – both during and after your routine. In fact, this effect lasts for up to 24 hours. A fun daily workout on the bellicon® is the natural way to keep your blood sugar in check.

Diabetes – the UK’s biggest health challenge

An estimated 3.2 million people in the UK have diabetes – that’s about six percent of the population. Most of them have Type 2 diabetes – what used to be known as adult-onset diabetes. Which makes it all the more alarming that increasing numbers of children and young adults are getting the disease.

Just how widespread diabetes is becomes apparent when you take into account that these figures don’t include the millions whose diabetes is undiagnosed or classed as pre-diabetes – when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be categorised as Type 2 diabetes.

But diabetes is not all doom and gloom. There’s a lot you can do to prevent the disease and control its symptoms. A study by the Mayo Clinic showed that people who shed a few kilos – about seven percent of their initial weight – and exercised regularly reduced their risk of developing diabetes by almost 60 percent. Which just goes to show how big a difference exercise and a healthy diet can make to your well-being, vitality and quality of life.

Low-impact, high returns

As a diabetic, you need to take a measured approach – and not just to your diet. If you exercise too vigorously, the body interprets this as stress and elevates blood sugar levels to provide fuel for the muscles. Not a situation you want. By sticking to moderate-intensity, low-impact bellicon® workouts, you’re getting the safest, most beneficial type of cardiovascular exercise for your condition.

High-impact workouts also place diabetics at risk of vascular damage to their eyes (retinopathy) and nerve damage to their feet (peripheral neuropathy). So gently does it à la bellicon® and you’ll stay fit and injury-free.

Of course, the health benefits of rebounding for diabetics don’t end there. You’ll also be lowering your chances of heart disease and stroke, burning calories to control your weight, improving balance, boosting energy levels and sleeping better. The bellicon® may also be the world’s best exercise for preventing or halting the progression of osteoporosis, another diabetes-related condition.

Doctor’s orders

It’s always best to ask your doctor before starting a new exercise programme. Considering that the treatment and side effects of diabetes can vary greatly from person to person, this is especially good advice if you’ve been diagnosed with the condition.

If you’re a diabetic bellicon® enthusiast, remember to monitor your blood sugar levels before, during and after exercise to ensure they remain stable.